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A photo tribute to Anita Ekberg has been draped over the Trevi Fountain in tribute to the Swedish actress, who passed away on Sunday more than 50 years after taking a dip in the famous monument.

The words “Ciao Anita” accompanied a photograph of Ekberg sat in front of the Trevi Fountain, where she created the famous scene in the 1960 film La Dolce Vita (The Good Life).

The Swedish star, who died on Sunday aged 83, is still remembered for wading into the fountain with her Italian admirer in the film directed by Federico Fellini.

“She was a great actress, from a very important time in Italian cinema,” Valerio, an officer manning the site, told The Local as he directed tourists past the Trevi Fountain on Wednesday.

“She was Swedish but lived in Italy for many years,” he noted proudly. Ekberg was drawn to Hollywood in the early 1950s, but her career took an Italian turn when she appeared in the 1956 film War of Peace alongside Audrey Hepburn.

The Swede went on to act in a number of other Italian films, including Boccacio 70, which also boasted Sophia Loren amongst its cast.

But it is La Dolce Vita for which the actress remains most famous. “Of course I’ve seen the film!” said onlooker Lucio as he strolled past the Trevi Fountain.

He saw the photo banner not only as a fitting tribute to Ekberg, but also as a way to cover up the scaffolding adorning the fountain: “They’re restoring it now so it’s better to have a photo.”